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[Infectious complications in patients with ulcerative colitis]
H Aoyagi1, F Chikamori, Y Takase
1Department of Surgery, Moriya Daiichi General Hospital.
Abstract:
Several infectious disease play a role in altering the clinical course of ulcerative colitis(UC). Such infections are considered to be opportunistic infections. Especially cytomegalovirus(CMV) infection is a famous exacerbating factor. We describe a case of fulminant ulcerative colitis with methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. A 55-year-old man was admitted to the hospital because of yellowish watery diarrhea. Antibiotics were administered, but the patient's condition was not improved. On the 9th hospital day, a stool culture yielded MRSA. On the 12th hospital day the patient developed toxic megacolon. Colonoscopic examination revealed the characteristic signs of UC. He underwent the emergency total colectomy and ileostomy. We emphasize in this article that MRSA infections should be recognized as an exacerbating factor of UC.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can worsen ulcerative colitis (UC) cases. This study highlights MRSA as a potential trigger for severe UC exacerbations, including toxic megacolon.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Ulcerative colitis (UC) can be complicated by opportunistic infections.
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a known factor exacerbating UC.
- The role of other bacterial infections in UC severity is less understood.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old male presented with severe diarrhea, initially unresponsive to antibiotics.
- Stool cultures confirmed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection.
- The patient subsequently developed toxic megacolon, a severe complication of UC.
Findings:
- The patient's presentation was consistent with fulminant ulcerative colitis.
- MRSA infection was identified as a likely contributor to the severe UC exacerbation.
- Colonoscopy confirmed characteristic signs of UC.
Implications:
- MRSA should be considered an important exacerbating factor in ulcerative colitis.
- Early recognition and management of MRSA in UC patients may prevent severe complications.
- This case broadens the understanding of infectious triggers in inflammatory bowel disease.